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2005 Ford Freestar transmission problems

677 complaints (76% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 81,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
677
of this car's complaints
76%
typical mileage
81,000
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    376
  • Automatic transmission: torque converter
    36
  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    7
  • Driveline
    4
  • Manual transmission
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Freestar transmission problems in other years

2004200520062007

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Ford Freestar transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Transmission failure 156Won't shift 47Jerking 39Slipping 27Hesitation 16Shudder 7Harsh shifting 6

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: torque converterReported January 9, 2012 · 206,452 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004 and 2005 ford freestar and mercury monterey vehicles. The torque converter output shaft may fail.
Risk
This condition results in a sudden loss of motive power with no warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converter free of charge. The safety recall began on august 9, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1‑866‑436‑7332.

Recall number 12V006000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Engine StallingOpened August 23, 2010, closed July 15, 2011

The subject vehicles suffered from a design issue whereby water could run down onto the cowling under the hood and located in the area of the windshield wipers and then drip onto a computer module, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which could be manifested in a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the circuit board became wet or which of the connector pins shorted out.In addition to causing an engine to stall, which may or may not then restart, the water intrusion could also cause the transmission to shift poorly, the vehicle to have erratic power, a malfunction indicator light to come on, or result in an inability to start the vehicle, an inability to shift the vehicle into either forward or reverse. Also the problem could cause a higher than normal idle RPM in Park, or for the radio to malfunction, or the interior lights to stay on.During this investigation ODI was concerned with the effect of the engine stalling or a drastic and sudden loss of power either of which may create a safety risk.In reviewing the actual number of these types of incidents, collectively referred to here as engine stalls, the number was found to be below what would be considered a defect trend.For example, the number of engine stalls identified in Ford's warranty claims for the model year (MY) 2004 subject vehicles, the MY with the most failures, was 200 out of population of 125,865, for a failure rate of 0.16%.The one crash recorded by a complainant to the federal safety agency, VOQ 10311522, alleged that the engine stalled, due to water intrusion into the PCM, while the road was turning causing her to go off the road and according to the police report the vehicle then hit an embankment and a tree stump. Ford reported in their response that there were three alleged crashes but none of these were validated as being caused by a problem with water intrusion into the PCM causing a stall.Accordingly this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.

PE10033

Transmission Torque Converter FailureOpened November 10, 2009, closed February 2, 2012

On January 4, 2012 Ford Motor Company submitted a Defect Information Report (the federal safety agency Recall No. 12V‑006) to the federal safety agency regarding a defect in the performance of the transmission torque converter for approximately 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles.The supplier of the torque converter manufactured converters containing a pump shaft spline that did not consistently meet the specified heat treatment requirements.In normal use, the spline may wear excessively and eventually fails without warning.If a torque converter malfunctions due to a sheared pump drive spline, the vehicle will abruptly lose motive power.This problem affected model year 2004 and 2005 Freestar and Monterey minivans.During the investigation the federal safety agency identified 532 complaints alleging incidents of vehicle stall while driving due to torque converter failure.These failures were sudden and without any prior warning.Of the 490 complaints that reported the speed at the time of the failure:218 (44%) occurred at or above 55 mph; and 344 (70%) occurred at or above 40 mph.Of the 382 complaints that reported the position of the vehicle relative to traffic after it came to a stop following the loss of motive power: 122 (32%) alleged that the vehicle came to a stop in the flow of traffic and remained in the flow of traffic until pushed or towed out of the way; 225 (59%) reported that the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the roadway and remained there until towed; and 35 (9%) reported that they were able to maneuver to a location away from the flow of traffic, such as a parking lot.Two crashes were allegedly caused by torque converter failure, including an incident in which a Freestar suddenly lost power in 65 mph traffic in an area where there was no shoulder available.As a result, the Freestar stopped in a travel lane and when trailing traffic maneuvered to avoid the stalled vehicle, a four vehicle collision occurred.In these types of circumstances the federal safety agency believes the defect presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and so advised Ford.In its Defect Information Report, Ford refers to its response to the federal safety agency's Preliminary Evaluation information request, which stated that a vehicle that loses motive power due to torque converter malfunction remains readily controllable; the vehicle will coast during which it can be safely maneuvered and stopped because the engine continues to run.Because the engine continues to run, steering and braking are unaffected, and the vehicle's electrical system and directional signals remain functional.In view of the foregoing, the federal safety agency does not agree with this statement.This investigation is closed based on Ford's recall.

EA09016

Torque converter output shaft failureOpened July 15, 2009, closed November 17, 2009

Odi has received 227 owner complaints alleging a sudden and unexpected loss of motive power due to an internal transmission failure in the subject vehicles.of those complaints, 124 can be attributed to the torque converter output shaft splines stripping causing a sudden loss of power to the drivetrain.the remaining 103 complaints experienced a loss of motive power but the specific internal failure cause within the transmission is not known.odi has upgraded the investigation to an engineering analysis (ea09-016) to continue its assessment of the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.

PE09033

What 2005 Ford Freestar owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 7, 2026 · Transmission · MS

When I was driving my van was loosing power even when I was pushing the gas I had to pull over before a car was about to hit me. I look it up online it had a recall in 2013 but I bought van from someone last year and I called the ford place about the recall and they said couldn’t do it Mac hik in Jackson

Filed May 12, 2025 · Transmission · MN

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission seized and remained in neutral. The vehicle jerked and shortly returned to normal functionality; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the gear shifter light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure became a recurring failure, and the contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V006000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 17, 2024 · Transmission · OK

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped in the middle of the street, however the engine was still on. The contact stated that the gear shifter did not function as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter did not shift. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact and her son pushed the vehicle to the nearest parking lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 27, 2024 · Transmission · FL

I was driving and my transmission stopped working left me stranded

Filed Jun 18, 2024 · Transmission · 350,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and releasing the accelerator pedal, the contact noticed an abnormal clucking sound. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated he was able to continue driving; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle only responded when the RPMs were high, and the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter output shaft had failed. The mechanic determined that the torque converter and the output shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 350,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that upon selling the vehicle, she allowed another individual to test drive the vehicle; however, as the contact was driving on an incline, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the flex shaft had failed. The contact then stated that upon research, she became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V00600 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V081000 (Seats). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that due to the condition of the vehicle the recall repair could not be performed. The contact was concerned that when the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the VIN was entered and displayed a different color. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Feb 17, 2023 · Transmission · MO

Driving down highway at 60 mph lost all power basically coasted to side of road. Looks like torque converter and pump shaft splines stripped out. Shows there was a recall but none listed for this vin number. This is a huge safety concern and Ford should have to repair.

Filed Feb 7, 2023 · Transmission · GA

I was having issues with my car not able to really move so I had a mechanic to come to me to inspect it and he stated it was my torque converter someone on it in it near it.. That my issue.. So I was calling about the recall on it and it stated that it was already fixed in 2012 on recall. And I'm a new owner purchased in 2018.. I'm a Ford girl.. So from the Taurus 500 and freestar never had of it needed a van have grandkids and now out my four year with it no problem with til now and by it has been replaced before I'm not able to get help with fixing it .. That my only car now I'm now disabled on fixed income and can't afford to buy a new transmission.. I'm asking if u could assist me with the same issue happening twice with vehicle with two different owner.. Thanks for your assistance and help

Filed Nov 16, 2022 · Transmission · 238,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly without warning. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 238,000.

Filed Sep 2, 2022 · Transmission · 139,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestar. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, he noted that a "sprocket" warning symbol had illuminated. The contact exited the freeway and stopped at a traffic light. As he depressed the accelerator to go forward the vehicle would not move however, the engine was running. The contact stated that he placed the shift lever in neutral then drive and reverse and the vehicle would not move in any direction. The contact had the vehicle towed an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and towed back to the contact's residence. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V006000 (Power Train). The VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Questions about the 2005 Ford Freestar transmission

Does the 2005 Ford Freestar have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 677 complaints about the transmission of the 2005 Ford Freestar, 76% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2005 Ford Freestar transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 81,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Ford Freestar transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 12V006000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Freestar have bad transmission?

The Ford Freestar model years with the most transmission complaints are 2004 (851 complaints), 2005 (677 complaints) and 2006 (254 complaints).

Other 2005 Ford Freestar problems

Engine 88Electrical 85Acceleration 39Body 33Brakes 28Seats 20Steering 19Fuel system 13Driver assistance 11Suspension 10Airbags 8Locks 8Tires 6Visibility 5Lights 4Wheels 4Seat belts 1

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